Save documents as a package or a single file in Pages, Numbers, or Keynote

Pages, Numbers, and Keynote let you choose how to save files for better compatibility.

If you're working in Pages, Numbers, or Keynote and have created a file that's larger than 500 MB, saving it as a package helps the app you're using perform better. A package is a collection of files that your Mac reads as one file. By default, these versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote auto-save files to the hard drive as a single file.

If movies aren't playing correctly in Keynote, save your presentation as a package instead of as a single file.

If you experience app performance issues and you aren’t planning to send or store the document using a non-iCloud internet service, then save as package. Otherwise, it's best to save as a single file.

Save as a package or a single file

If you aren’t using Apple File System (APFS), or if you have an older version of Pages, Numbers, or Keynote, you might see a message when your document is 500 MB or larger:

Pages: "Would you like to save this document as a package?”

Numbers: "Would you like to save this spreadsheet as a package?”

Keynote: "Would you like to save this presentation as a package?”

Choose "Keep Single File" if:

You plan to send your document to a non-iCloud internet service such as iTunes U, Dropbox, Gmail, or another site where you upload files through your web browser.

You can switch between a single file and a package at any time. Open your file. Then choose File > Advanced > Change File Type, and select the type you'd like to use.

If your package is damaged and can't be opened

Documents saved as a package are sometimes damaged when they are uploaded to email or file sharing services in a web browser. If you try to open the file, you will get this alert:

If you get this message, ask the owner of the file to save it as a single file and send it to you.

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